THANK YOU: Salang presenting a scroll to a graduating tabika student, witnessed by Muhammad Igbal on his left.
SIBU: The tabika or pre-school plays an important part in shaping the lives of young children, according to 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council chairman Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum.
Apart from basic education, they are taught vital life skills, he said after declaring open the refurbished Pakan town Tabika Kemas building in Pakan yesterday.
The work was made possible with a RM179,000 grant from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
Salang, who is also Julau MP, said young children could hone their interpersonal skills which, together with a basic education foundation, will put them in good stead for further education. “It’s important to realise children’s full potential as future citizens and leaders of their community, state or country,” he said.
He urged parents to cooperate fully with teachers and contribute to the tabika development fund, instead of merely hoping for government assistance.
Present at the function were its chairwoman Loseyeffer Moni Bana, Julau parliamentary constituency Jaksa officer Sylvester Embuas Bangi and Julau district Kemas officer Andy Ajut.
Earlier, Salang officiated at the Pakan District Kemas tabika mini convocation ceremony held at the town’s community hall.
At the function, he called on community leaders and parents living in longhouses far in the interior of Pakan to identify areas where a new tabika could be set up to add to the more than 20 in existence in Julau and Pakan Districts.
“On my part, I will send your requests to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development for consideration, approval and fund implementation.
“We must not deny our young children or toddlers early childhood education. We must give them a good start to catch up with those in urban areas,” he said.
Sarikei Division Kemas officer Muhammad Igbal Abdullah who was also present praised Salang for his many contributions to promoting academic excellence among students in Julau and Pakan districts.